A city fruit and veg wholesaler is embarking on a new venture.

D&F McCarthy was founded in 1877 as a fruit stall in Drury Lane, London.

In the 146 years since the business started, it has expanded far and wide and now supplies the best part of 150 shops from its base in Broadland Business Park.

Norwich Evening News: The catalogue will showcase a range of products from bacon, beers and sweets to spirits, chocolates and chutneysThe catalogue will showcase a range of products from bacon, beers and sweets to spirits, chocolates and chutneys (Image: Grumpy Panda)

Offering an array of products from bacon to beers, sweets to spirits and chocolates to chutneys, D&F McCarthy is launching a new artisan food catalogue featuring hand-picked local suppliers.

Managing director Sam McCarthy said: "We spoke to many suppliers at conferences and realised a lot don't have the distribution network or infrastructure to market themselves.

"So we were asked if we could help sell the products for them and the more word got out it became clear there was a huge need for this.

Norwich Evening News: Sam McCarthy, managing director of D&F McCarthySam McCarthy, managing director of D&F McCarthy (Image: D&F McCarthy)

"So with more local suppliers coming through with amazing products, this is something we could do properly."

Originally aiming for 12 suppliers, the wholesaler ended up with 35 for its upcoming Fine Foods range launch event on Thursday, April 13.

Sam became MD at the start of last year after the retirement of his dad Martin, establishing the sixth generation at the head of the family firm.

Norwich Evening News: D&F McCarthy will be launching the new catalogue at its 'Fine Foods' range event on April 13D&F McCarthy will be launching the new catalogue at its 'Fine Foods' range event on April 13 (Image: Melting Pot Fudge)

He continued: "There's more of a need right now to come together, especially with so many good products coming out of East Anglia.

"When you go into farm shops now they've adapted in the years to sell lots of different products other than the usual fresh produce.

"So by supplying these shops which are adapting, it gave us the idea to adapt a little as well.

Norwich Evening News: The idea of the catalogue is to promote and showcase more local productsThe idea of the catalogue is to promote and showcase more local products (Image: Tosier Chocolate)

"At the end of the day, we want to help facilitate the delivery of these excellent products to our wide range of customers and shops.

"We're just happy to help these companies along the way and become a conduit for advertising some amazing products."

Norwich Evening News: D&F McCarthy started out in London and has been a wholesaler of fresh produce for 146 yearsD&F McCarthy started out in London and has been a wholesaler of fresh produce for 146 years (Image: Heart of Suffolk Distillery)